TIHIIE 



MEDIC RL RDVISER 



AND 



GUIDE TO HEALTH, 

For the Use of Families. 

COM FZRISIItTGI- 
OYEE ONE HUNDRED PRESCRIPTIONS. 



1/ 

- L. E. JOHNSON, M. D. 






BALTBIOKE : ^C^ 

Press of King Bros., 123 E. Baltimore Street. 



1888 






COPYEIGHT, 1888* 
BY 

L. E. Johnson, M. IX 



PREFACE. 



This manual is intended to give such information 
as an intelligent person, without a medical educa- 
tion will need, and can readily make available in 
the management of the various ailments and acci- 
dents frequently occurring in almost every family. 
It is designed to embrace everything pertaining to 
domestic treatment, a sufficient number of prescrip- 
tions, with full and complete directions for admin- 
istering the medicines and applying the remedies 
being given for every disease, ailment or accident 
that can be safely treated in the absence of a physi- 
cian. 

People will not undertake to doctor themselves in 
eases of serious illness, and they ought not to, and 
for this reason no prescription is given for any dis- 
ease which a physician only ought to treat; but there 
are rnairy, very many, ailments and accidents of 
frequent occurrence for which heads of families 
would like to know what to do without calling in a 



IV PREFACE. 

physician, or before the services of one can be 
secured. In all such cases I believe this work will 
be found very useful. 

Particular attention is called to the treatment 
prescribed for Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Colic, Cramps, 
Cholera Morbus, Colds, Coughs and Chills and 
Fevers. In the whole catalogue of human ailments, 
there are none that are more common, and none 
that yield more speedily to proper treatment. 
People are apt to delay a day or two in calling in 
their physician for these diseases, and thus the most 
valuable time for treatment is lost. Fortunately, 
they usually commence in a mild form, and will 
then promptly yield to the medicines prescribed for 
them in this manual. It is exceedingly important 
that the treatment advised be commenced without 
delay. If instituted at the beginning of an attack, 
a speedy cure may be expected in almost every case. 
But if treatment be delayed for hours, or a day or 
two, these diseases frequently assume dangerous 
forms, and are often fatal. 



PREFACE. V 

The reader can place the utmost confidence in 
every statement found in this work. The prescrip- 
tions have been repeatedly tested during an experi- 
ence of more than twenty years, and they will 
accomplish all I say they will when medicines pre- 
scribed are taken as directed. 



'tVj 



1* 



ISTOTJB. 

This book is so plain and simple, that any one 
•can readily find all the information necessary for 
the domestic treatment of almost every ailment, 
accident or emergency. In order to facilitate its 
examination, the Table of Contents and the Index 
have been made very full and complete. In cases 
of sudden illness, accidents or emergencies, refer 
at once to the Index. 



CONTENTS. 

Page. 
Preface 3 

Medicines 17,18 

A list of Medicines that families should always keep in the 

House v 17 

Doses for children and all under adult age ,..,.. 18 

How to make Simple Syrup 19 

How to make Lime- Water 19 

How to make Flaxseed Tea 19 

Colds 21 

Precautions to avoid taking cold. .Treatment when a cold 
has been contracted — Prescriptions 1, 2, 3 and 4. The 
Author's experience with Bronchitis. Mortality of illus- 
trious men. 

Sore Throat 24 

Treatment — Prescriptions 5, 6 and 7. Speedy relief. 

Croup 25 

Disease of childhood. Treatment — Prescriptions 8 and 9. 
Day Croup dangerous. 

Colic 26 

Definition. Prescriptions 10 and 11. An injection that will 
give immediate relief. Colic in the young — Prescription 
12, Colic from indigestion— Prescription 13. 

Chills and Fevers and Agues 28 

Treatment — Prescriptions 14, 15 and 16. Tendency to return. 
How to prevent return — Prescription 17. Treatment 
proper for children, and how to give them the medicine. 



X TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

Pa#e. 

Diarrhoea 31 

Definition. Treatment— Prescriptions 18, 19 and 20 — Pre- 
scription for children 21. Speedy cure. 

Dysentery 33 

Definition and symptoms. Treatment — Prescriptions 22, 18 

and 19. Danger in delaying treatment. Diet in Diarrhoea 

and Dysentery. 

Cholera Morbus , 35 

Symptoms. Treatment — Prescription 23. Mustard Plaster. 

Water. Immediate treatment and speedy relief. 

Cramp 36 

.Symptoms and general treatment. 

Measles 36 

'Symptoms General treatment — Prescription 24. Compli- 
cations. 

Mumps 37 

Definition. Symptoms. Treatment — Prescriptions 25 and 

26. 

Whooping Cough 38 

Symptoms. Treatment — Prescriptions 27 and 28. 

Colic in Infants 39 

Advice to mothers. Medicines suitable for infants. Caution 
in the use of opiates. Treatment — Prescriptions 29, 30, 31 

and 32. 

Worms 41 

Symptoms. Treatment— Prescriptions 33 and 34. Excellent 
and'efficient remedies for. 

Thrush 42 

An affection of childhood. Treatment— Prescriptions 35 and 
36. Speedy andjcertain relief. 

Chicken Pox 42 

Definition and' symptoms. No danger. Treatment— Pre- 
scription 37. 

Convulsions and Spasms 43 

Frequent in childhood. Treatment— Prescription 38. Teeth- 
ing, Fever, Warm Bath. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. Xt 

Page. 
Asthma 43 

Definition. Treatment — Prescriptions 39, 40, 41 and 42. Lo- 
belia, Stramonium, Saltpetre, &c. 

Catarrh 45- 

Definition. Treatment — Cutler's Inhaler — Prescription 43. 

Rheumatism 4(> 

Chronic form Treatment — Prescriptions 44, 45, 46, 47 and 
48. Potassium, Colchicum, Gruiacum. Excellent lini- 
ments. 

Lumbago 47 

Symptoms. Local treatment — Prescription 49. 

Chronic Rheumatic Pains 4& 

Prescription 50. Excellent remedy and an almost certain 
cure. 

Constipation 49> 

Never neglect Dangerous consequences. Certain symptoms. 
Causing much suffering. How immediate relief may be 
obtained. Prescriptions to secure daily evacuations, 51 
52 and 53. 

Dyspepsia . 50 

Mastication. Eating slowly. Erroneous popular notion. 
Treatment — Prescriptions 54, 55 and 56. For Water 
Brash and Heart Burn, 57 and 58. 

Neuralgia , 5£ 

Causes. General treatment — Prescription 59. 

Vertigo 5S 

Symptoms. Treatment — Prescription 60. 



Xll TABLE OF CONTEXTS. 

Page. 
Palpitation 54 

And nervous attacks. Pleasant and efficient Prescriptions 
for, 61 and 62. 

Headache 54 

Treatment according to causes — Prescriptions 63, 64 and 65. 

Sick Headache 55 

To what due. Preventive treatment — Prescription Q6. Gen- 
eral treatment — Prescriptions 64 and 67. 

Gravel 57 

Definition. Treatment — Prescriptions 68 and 69. 

Piles 58 

Treatment — Prescription 70. Ointment 71. Injections. 

Ingrowing Toe-nail 59" 

Treatment. Poultices. Liquid Persulphate of Iron. Prescrip- 
tion 72. 

Boils and Carbuncles 59 

General treatment — Prescriptions 73 and 74. 

Earache 60 

Treatment — Prescription 75. Wax in the ear. How to get 
rid of. 

The Eye 61 

Foreign substance in. How to remove. Prescription 76. 
Excellent eye- water— Prescription 77. 

Toothache 62 

Dentist. Best remedies for — Prescriptions 78 and 79. A 
simple but very efficient remedy. 



TABLE OF CONTEXTS. X1U 

Page. 
Itch 64 

'Treatment— Prescription 80. Certain cure. 

Chapped Hands, Face and Lips 64 

Treatment — Prescriptions 81 and 82. 

Salt Rheum, Tetter and Skin Eruptions 65 

Treatment — Prescriptions 83 and 74. 

Ringworm ... 66 

Treatment — Prescription 84. A speedy cure. 

Dandruff 66 

Treatment— Prescription 85. 

Sore Nipples 66 

Treatment — Prescription 86. 

Corns 67 

Treatment — Prescriptions 87 and 88. 

Bunions 68 

Treatment— Prescription 89. 

Sores on Children's Heads 68 

Treatment — Prescription 90. Excellent remedy, with speedy 
cure. 

Cuts and Abrasions 69 

Treatment— Prescriptions 91, 92 and 93. 

Spitting of Blood 70 

General treatment — Prescription 94. 

Bleeding at the Nose 71 

Frequent in the young. General treatment. 

H 



XIV TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

Page. 

Vomiting 71 

General treatment — Prescription 95. 

i Fainting 72 

General treatment — Prescription 96. 

Sunstroke 72 

Treatment — Prescription 97. 

Fits 7:J 

Symptoms. Treatment — Prescription 98. 

Frostbite 74 

Caution. Treatment — Prescription 99. 

Chilblains ... 74 

Treatment — Prescriptions 100 and 101. 



ACCIDENTS. 

Burns 75 

Treatment — Prescription 102. Other remedies. 

Inflammatory Swellings from Injuries 76 

Treatment — Prescription 103. 

Stings of Bees, Wasps, &c 76 

Treatment — Prescription 104. 

Bruises 77 

Local treatment — Prescription 105. 

Sprains 77 

Local treatment— Prescription 106. 



TABLE OF COKTE^TS. XV 

Page. 
Drowning 78 

Plain and simple directions that any one can carry out in 

resuscitating persons apparently drowned. 



Fractures and Dislocations 79 

What to do in accidents with broken bones, and the best 
means to keep down inflammation and swelling of the 
injured limb until the arrival of the doctor. 



Wounds 79 

Treatment — Plain and simple directions for arresting the flow 
of blood. 



Poisons 81 

Treatment suited to all cases — Prescriptions 107 and 108. 
Opium and Lauclanum. Remedies. Arsenic. Antidote. 
Acids. Lye. Nitrate Silver. Mercury, &c. Remedies 
and antidotes for. 

An outline of treatment to be adopted in all cases in which 
the disease is not well known, and while waiting for the 
arrival of the Doctor. How to relieve Pain in any part 
of the body. Pain in the head. Side. What to do for 
one stricken with Apoplexy. What to do for a Fever. . . 84 



Dietetic Preparations 89 

How to prepare Barley water, Rice water, Arrowroot, Sago, 
Tapioca, Corn Starch, Oatmeal Gruel, Beef Tea, Essence 
of beef and Wine Whey. 



-XVI TABLE OF CONTEXTS. 

Page. 

Management of the Sick Room 93 

Location. Sunlight Pure air. Ventilation. Temperature. 
Quiet. Visitors. Bad effects of too much company. 
Sleep. Refreshments for those who sit up. 




$°°^- 



MBDIOHsTES 

■ - 

That Should Always be Kept on Hand, 



Ever} 7 family should keep at all seasons of the 
year the following medicines : - 

Castor Oil , 1 ounce. 

Extract of Jamaica Ginger 1 ounce. 

Laudan am 1 ounce. 

Paregoric , 1 ounce. 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia... 1 ounce. 

Essence of Peppermint 1 ounce. 

Spirits of Turpentine 1 ounce. 

Alum J pound. 

1 Box of good Mustard, and 
1 Self-injecting Syringe. 

All the above can be had of merchants, except in 
some cases, ammonia and the syringe, and they can 
be obtained of the nearest druggist. When bought 
of merchants, the vials may contain a little more or 
a little less than one ounce. With these few simple 
2 



18 



DOSES FOR CHILDREN. 



remedies, easily procured, and costing about two 
dollars, any head of a family will be prepared to 
promptly relieve almost any case of sudden illness 
that may occur in his family. In the summer, it 
would be w T ell to have two ounces of Tincture of 
Catechu, and in the winter and spring, two or three 
ten grain doses of Dover's Powders, and one ounce 
each of Syrup of Ipecac and Syrup of Squills, and a 
half pound of Flaxseed. Other medicines pre- 
scribed can be procured as needed. 

The doses prescribed are for adults, unless other- 
wise specified. It is best, however, to know what 
proportions of the doses for adults, younger people 
should take, and the following are universally 
adopted by the medical profession. 

At 1 year, take of an adult's dose ^ 

2 



3 

4 

6 

8 

10 

12 

14 



i 

• b 
l 

•4 

* 

2. 

* 5 

1 
•2 

2 
•3. 

■i 



Whenever water is prescribed for mixing medi- 
cines, rain water should be used, if possible; when 
it cannot be procured, use good, clear spring or 
well w T ater. 



SIMPLE SYRUP, LIME-WATER, FLAXSEED TEA. 19 

As Simple Syrup, Lime- Water and Flaxseed Tea 
are sometimes prescribed, it is well to know how to 
make them. 

How to make Simple Syrup. 

Take of— 

White Sugar 1 pound. 

Water i pint 

Dissolve the sugar in the water by the aid of a gentle heat. 

How to make Liine-Water. 

Take of— 

Lime A lump about the size of an egg. 

Water One quart. 

Upon the lime, first slacked with a little water, 
pour the remainder of the water, and stir together; 
then cover well and set aside for several hours. The 
solution should be kept standing upon the undis- 
solved lime, well covered, and poured off clear when 
required for use. 

How to make Flaxseed Tea. 

Take of— 

Flaxseed 1 tablespoonful. 

Boiling water 1 pint. 

Pour the boiling water on the flaxseed, cover the 
vessel, and place it near the fire for two or three 



20 FLAXSEED TEA. 

hours. Do not boil the flaxseed in the water, as 
the oil would then be extracted, making the tea 
disagreeable to the stomach. After preparing the 
tea as directed, the juice of one lemon may be 
added to it, and when used, it may be sweetened to 
suit the taste of the patient. 

Advice is always given, if necessary, about what 
to eat or drink when taking any of the followiug 
prescriptions. 



COLDS. 21 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT, 



Colds. 

More diseases are contracted, and lives lost from 
cold, perhaps, than from any one other cause. While 
an abundance of pure air is highly conducive to 
health, an excess of cold means suffering, disease 
and often death. Every precaution should there- 
fore be used to avoid taking cold. 

Keep the feet warm and dry. 

Never sit in a cool draught of air when over- 
heated. 

Never go from a warm room into the open air, in 
cool weather, without putting on an extra garment. 

Do not stand still on cold, damp ground, in thin 
shoes or boots, unless well protected by over-shoes* 

Never allow yourself to become chilled. If you 
feel chilly while standing still, walk briskly until 
you become warm. Always wear sufficient clothing 
to keep warm. 

Never, under any circumstance, neglect a cold. 
When you have contracted one, you must at bed- 
time — 
2* 



22 COLDS. 

1. 

Take— 

; A warm mustard foot-bath, and drink a glassfull of 

warm flaxseed tea, and retire to bed immediately 
after taking the following : 

2. 

Take of— 

Dover's Powder .10 grains. 

Take in molasses or s}^rup in one dose. 

Remain in the house a day or two, and repeat 
prescriptions 1 and 2 the second and third nights, 
unless much improved. 

If a cough accompanies or follows the cold — 

3. 

Take of— 

Syrup of Ipecac 4 teaspoonfuls. 

Paregoric 4 teaspoonfuls. 

Simple Syrup 4 teaspoonfuls. 

Mix. 
Dose. — One teaspoonful every three or four hours until the 
cough is relieved. 

If from any neglect a cough has continued a week 
or more, the following should be used : 

4. 

Take of— 

Syrup of Squills 4 teaspoonfuls. 

Paregoric 4 teaspoonfuls. 

Simple Syrup 4 teaspoonfuls. 

Mix. 
Dose. — One teaspoonful every three or four hours until the 
cough is relieved. 



COLDS. 23 

By carefully observing these precautions, and 
faithfully using the prescriptions as directed, many 
•serious diseases will be avoided. "While it cannot 
be denied that with every care that can be used, 
persons will sometimes contract Bronchitis, Pneu- 
monia, Pleurisy and other diseases due to cold, still 
I am fully convinced that at least one-half of the 
•cases of these diseases w T ould be avoided by a faith- 
ful observance of the simple precautions already 
given. How important then the admonition, never 
to neglect a cough or a cold! The waiter, many 
years ago, while busily engaged in practice 
•contracted a cough, the result of bronchitis, 
which lasted several w r eeks, on account of being 
neglected. It disappeared upon the appearance of 
warm weather, reappearing at the beginning of the 
following winter. Determining not to suffer as he 
had before, and run the risk of contracting a serious 
•disease, he immediately commenced using prescrip- 
tion 3, with the most happy results. The medicine 
acted like a charm, a few doses giving complete re- 
lief. Many of the most illustrious men of our 
country have lost their lives by not observing the 
simple precautions and advice given in the begin- 
ning of this article. 



24 SORE THROAT. 

Sore Throat. 

This is one of the symptoms of several diseases 
of much danger to life, but in these cases the con- 
stitutional disturbance is so great that a physician is 
usually very properly called in at once. 

Ordinary sore throat, the result of a common 
cold, will be speedily relieved by the following pre- 
scriptions : 

5. 

Take of— 

Table Salt 1 teaspoonful. 

"Water i pint. 

Mix. 
Gargle well every two hours, 

6. 

Take of— 

Chlorate of Potassa 1 teaspoonful. 

Water i pint. 

Mix. 

'Gargle well every two hours, 

7. 
Take of— 

Good Hot Sage Tea ,-£■ pint. 

Alum 1 tablespoonful. 

Honey 4 tablespoonfuls. 

Mix. 
Gargle well every two hours. 

Either of these prescriptions can be relied on to 
relieve Sore Throat in a short time. Every hour's 



croup. 25 

delay in using them, retards the cure. I have, my- 
self, frequently experienced their good effect. 

Bathing the throat well with a liniment composed 
of equal parts of Spirits of Hartshorn and Sweet 
Oil, will hasten the cure. A piece of flannel should 
be worn after bathing the throat with liniment. 

Croup. 

This disease affects children chiefly. It usually 
occurs suddenly in the night, and is attended with 
paroxysms of coughing, with a ringing, barking 
sound. The first thing to be done is to make the 
♦child vomit. For this purpose — 

8. 
Take of— 

Alum — reduced to powder 1 teaspoonful. 

Dose. — For a child four years old, one teaspoonful in molasses 
or syrup. Repeat in ten minutes, if vomiting does not occur. 
May give four doses if necessary, to produce free vomiting. 

The following is also a most excellent emetic for 
Croup, and is sometimes more effectual than Alum. 

9. 

Take of— 

Powdered Ipecac i teaspoonful. 

Dissolve in water. 

Dose. — Give the whole to a child four years old, and repeat in 
ten minutes, if necessary. May give four doses, ten minutes a 
part, if necessary, to produce free vomiting. 



26 colic. 

Dip a piece of flannel in warm water, wring it 
well and apply to the neck. Renew as often as it 
cools. 

The child will, in all probability, be much easier 
as soon as vomiting occurs. It may have successive 
-attacks for several nights. Although an attack of 
croup usually alarms parents, there is not much 
danger so long as the voice is clear. Croup lasting 
through the day, even if apparently mild, is much 
more dangerous than when confined to the night. 
In any case, however mild, when the voice is hoarse 
and husky, there is danger of an impending severe 
.-attack, and the family physician should be called 
without delay. The treatment prescribed will be 
proper until his arrival. 

Colic. 

This is a painful, spasmodic affection of the 
'bowels. If from an overloaded stomach or indi- 
gestible food — 

10. 

Take of— 

Castor Oil 2 tablespoonfuls. 

Give at once, and when bowels are freely moved, if not re- 
lieved, give twenty-five drops of laudanum, and repeat in one 
3iour if necessary. May give three or four doses, if necessary. 

If the person is suffering very much, the bowels 
should be opened at once with an injection com- 
posed of the following : 



colic. 27" 

11. 

Take of— 

Warm Water ..... 1 pint. 

Salt 1 tablespoonful. 

Molasses 2 tablespoonfuls. 

Mix. 

Inject the above as soon as prepared, and if the 
bowels are not moved in ten minutes, repeat injec- 
tion. In all cases, when an injection is given for 
colic, it should be sufficiently warm for the heat to 
be distinctly felt by the patient. It then produces a, 
most grateful feeling of relief. If not relieved 
when the bowels are opened, give laudanum as 
directed, after oil. Molasses may be omitted in 
injection if not convenient. Immediate relief will- 
result in almost every case. 

Many persons, especially the young, suffer occa- 
sionly from colicky symptoms, with painful, aching, 
and sometimes, knawing sensations about the stom- 
ach and abdomen. 

For this form use the following: 

12. 

Take of— 

Extract of Jamaica Ginger 20 drops. 

Essence of Peppermint 10 drops. 

Mix. 
Take in a wineglassful of sweetened water. Repeat in one* 
hour, if necessary. 



28 CHILLS AND FEVERS AND AGUES. 

Some persons suffer frequently from indigestion 
and colicky symptoms, with a sense of oppression 
about the chest, and an aching pain extending through 
the chest to the back, accompanied with a desire but 
inability to belch. The following prescription will 
speedily relieve this trouble : 

13. 

Take of— 

Tartaric Acid 20 grains. 

Bicarbonate of Soda 25 grains. 

Disolve the acid in three or four tablespoonfuls of 
w T ater in one glass, and the soda in the same quan- 
tity of water in another glass. Pour the contents of 
one glass into the other and drink while effervesce- 

ing. 

Chills and Fevers and Agnes 

Are too well known, wherever they prevail, to re- 
quire any description. The following treatment 
will be found effectual : 

14. 
Take of — 

Quinine — or 

Cinchonidia 25 grains. 

Make 10 pills. 

Dose. — Two pills every two or three hours, until six are taken 
in one day, and four next day. Ten pills must be taken in two 
dnys. If only four can be taken the first day, six must be taken 
next day. Commence taking pills as soon as the fever wears off. 
Do not delay one hour. In nineteen cases in twenty, if the pills 
are taken as directed, the chills or agues will cease If they do 
not, then take four pills daily, two at a time, three hours apart, 
until a cure is effected. 



CHILLS AND FEVERS AND AGUES. 29 

If there is costiveness, with a bitter taste in the 
mouth, a cathartic is necessary. It is often given 
first, but this is not best. The first thing to be 
clone is to stop the chill, then if necessary — 

15. 

Take of— 

Calomel 10 grains. 

Powdered Rhubarb 10 grains. 

Mix. 



Give the whole in molasses, at bedtime. I give 
this prescription because many persons prefer a 
calomel purge in this form. I have found, in prac- 
tice, the following to answer as well: 

16. 

Take of— 

Compound Cathartic Pills 4 or 5. 

Four pills will usually operate sufficiently, but if 
the patient knows his bowels are hard to move, he 
should take five at one dose. 

There is a remarkable tendency in chills and 
agues to return in many cases in a week or ten 
days. The fault is not in the medicine, but it is 
the nature of the disease. The only possible way 
to prevent a return in such cases, is to continue 
medicine for at least one month, and in a few 
3 



30 CHILLS AND FEVERS AND AGUES. 

instances it will be necessary to do so throughout 
the entire sickly season. To prevent a return in 
cases in which this tendency exists, the following 
prescription should be used: 

17, 

Take of— 

Quinine — or 

Cinchonidia \ ounce. 

Muriated Tincture of Iron 1 ounce. 

Simple Syrup 1 pint. 

Mix by shaking well. 

Take one teaspoonful three times a day, before meals, for one 
month, or longer, if necessary, to effect a perfect cure. 

For children who cannot take pills, prescription 
17 may be given. A child six years old should 
take one teaspoonful three times a day for two 
clays, then one teaspoonful daily for one month. 

If these directions are faithfully followed, a perma- 
nent cure will be effected. 

I cannot insist too strongly upon the great im- 
portance of following these directions to the letter, 
for I know whereof I speak. The medicines pre- 
scribed will cure the patient, and will keep him 
well if he will do as he is here instructed. 

When inconvenient to use prescription 17, for 
children, the following treatment should be adopted. 
It will require 2 grains of Quinine or Cinchonidia 



DIARRHXEA. 31 

for every year of the child's age, to stop the Chills 
or Agues, e. g., 2 grains at one year, 4 grains at 
two years, 6 grains at three years, and so on, ac- 
cording to the age. The necessary quantity should 
be procured and divided into five equal powders. 
Three powders must be given in a little water the 
first day, and two the next day, one at a time, 
two or three hours apart. When the Chills cease, 
prescription 17 may be used, or one powder of 
Quinine or Cinchonidia may be given daily for 
several weeks. 

Diarrhoea. 

Diarrhoea consists of frequent and excessive dis- 
charges from the bowels — the evacuations being 
more liquid than usual. The following prescrip- 
tions will be appropriate for ordinary summer 
diarrhoea: 

18. 
Take of— 

Laudanum 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Tincture of Catechu. . . .2 ounces. 

Mix. 
Dose. — One teaspoonful every four hours until relieved. 

If there are indications of acidity of the stomach 
and bowels, use the following: 



32 DIAKRHCEA. 

19. 

Take of— 

Laudanum 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Tincture of Catechu 2 ounces. 

Chalk Mixture 2 ounces. 

Mix. 
Dose. — Two teaspoonfuls eveiy four hours until relieved. 

Either of these prescriptions can be relied on to 
effect a cure in a short time — a day or two at most — 
if medicine is taken in time. 

If from neglect, diarrhoea has lasted a week or 
more, the following has invariably succeeded in my 
hands. 

20. 

Take of— 

Powdered Opium 10 grains. 

Acetate of Lead 20 grains. 

Make 20 pills. 
Dose. — One pill every 4 hours until relieved. 

It would be better for a druggist to put up this 
prescription, 

The following makes an excellent preparation for 
diarrhoea in children : 

21. 

Take of— 

Paregoric 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Tincture of Catechu.... 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Chalk Mixture 12 teaspoonfuls. 

Mix. 
Dose.— For a child 4 years old, one teaspoonful every four 
hours, until relieved. 



DYSENTERY. 33 

If Chalk Mixture cannot be conveniently pro- 
cured, water may be substituted for it. 

Dysentery. 

The evacuations in dysentery are small, frequent, 
painful, and contain blood mixed with mucus. 
There is generally considerable soreness, with ten- 
derness of the abdomen. 

Unless the evacuations were large at the begin- 
ning, the following treatment should be commenced 
at once. 

22. 

Take of— 

Castor Oil 1 tablespoonful. 

Laudanum 10 drops. 

Mix. 

Give the whole at one dose. If not relieved in 
twelve hours, give either prescription 13 or 19, until 
a cure is effected. If the evacuations were large at 
the beginning, omit the oil, and commence with 
prescription 18 or 19 at once. 

Apply a warm mush poultice to abdomen, and 
renew as often as necessary. A speedy cure may 
be confidently expected in all mild cases when this 
treatment is adopted in time. If, however, the dis- 
ease does not speedily improve under this treat- 
ment, or if it begins in a severe form, or prevails in 



34 DYSENTERY. 

the neighborhood as an epidemic, the family physi- 
cian should be called in without delay. If the dis- 
ease commences in a severe form, or prevails as an 
epidemic, omit oil and begin with prescription 18 
or 19, and repeat doses every three hours until the 
arrival of the doctor. 

In all cases of diarrhoea and dysentery, meats, 
rich food and vegetables must be forbidden. Diet 
must consist of milk and rice, or milk and mush, 
crackers, tea, &c. Use water moderately, and avoid 
exercise and exposure to the sun and heat. Do not 
delay one hour in commencing the treatment pre- 
scribed. 

Diarrhoea and dysentery are of frequent occur- 
rence during the summer season, and both are often 
fatal among children, and the latter among adults. 
After the period of teething has passed, there is 
very little more danger to children than to adults 
from these diseases. Although these affections 
cause much suffering, sickness and mortality, such 
ought not to be, and would not be the case, if 
proper treatment were adopted at the beginning of 
an attack. AYith the exception of the very small 
proportion of cases developed abruptly, and in a 
violent form, almost every case would yield to the 
treatment already prescribed, in a day or two at 
most. There are no diseases in which the resources 



CHOLERA MORBUS. 35 

of the science and art of medicine are more cer- 
tainly and promptly displayed than in these. I 
have repeatedly known persons, either from a dis- 
like to taking medicine or from simple negligence, 
postpone attention to these diseases in the begin- 
ning of an attack, and then suffer in bed from one 
to three weeks, when a few doses of medicine given 
on the first day would have arrested the disease and 
effected a speedy cure. 

Cholera Morbus. 

The prominent symptoms of this disease are vio- 
lent vomiting and purging — stools soon becoming 
watery — severe pains in the stomach and abdomen, 
and cramps, if not speedily relieved. Treatment 
must be commenced without a moment's delay. 

23. 

Take of— 

Laudanum 25 drops. 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia. . . .15 drops. 

Mix. 

Take in a teaspoonful of water. Repeat every 
half-hour until relief is obtained. May take as 
many as four doses, if necessary. If ammonia is 
not convenient, use laudanum alone. 

Apply a mustard plaster to the stomach and 
abdomen, and renew with fresh ones, if necessary, 



36 CRAMP — MEASLES. 

until relieved. Water or any other liquid must be 
positively forbidden, except in the smallest quan- 
tities, to relieve urgent thirst. A very small quan- 
tity of crushed ice may be allowed — just enough 
to keep the mouth moist. 

Follow these directions, and if the medicine is 
retained in the stomach, and it nearly always will 
•be, speedy relief will be the almost certain result. 
A physician may be sent for, if thought best, at 
the beginning of the attack, or any time afterward; 
but do not wait for his arrival, begin at once, and 
•continue treatment as directed until he comes. 

Cramp. 

Cramp is a frequent symptom in severe cases of 
both Colic and Cholera Morbus. It will be re- 
lieved by the general treatment prescribed. When 
affecting the feet, legs, hands or arms, a strong 
band an inch wide, tied tightly around the affected 
limb, as near the body as possible, will generally 
give immediate relief. 

Measles. 

Symptoms: at the beginning, very much like a 
cold, eyes red and watery, and a hoarse cough. On 
the fourth da}^ the eruption appears, remaining 
three or four days, and then gradually fades away. 

In mild cases, the simplest domestic treatment is 



MUMPS. 37 

sufficient. Many do not require any medicine. 

The patient should be made comfortable, not so 

warm as to induce free perspiration, or so cold as 

to be chilly. Hot drinks should not be used; unless 

the eruption goes in suddenly. In summer, cold 

water may be allowed; in cold weather, perhaps 

warm teas would be better. 

The following is a good prescription for the 

cough and fever: 

24. 
Take of— 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre 2 ounces. 

Syrup of Ipecac 1 ounce. 

Mix. 

Dose. — One teaspoonful every three or four hours, for adults; 

children, in proportion to age. 

The disease usually runs a mild course. Some- 
times it assumes severe forms, or is complicated 
with other diseases. In these cases, the family 
physician should be summoned. 

Mumps. 

A contagious affection, consisting of inflammation 
of the parotid gland. The swelling commences 
near the angle of the lower jaw, and extends to the 
neck and face. Occasionally, one gland onlj- is 
affected, and then the swelling will be on one side 
of the face only; but as a rule, the disease affects 
both glands at the same time. Any motion of the 
jaws usually causes considerable pain. 



38 WHOOPING COUGH. 

This disease is devoid of danger, but in some 
•cases there is considerable fever and much restless- 
mess. The swelling will subside in a few days. 

25. 

Apply warm poultices to the swelling, and renew as often as 
-necessary for comfort. 

If there should be much fever — 

26. 

Take of— 

Sweet Spirits of Xitre 1 ounce. 

Dose. — One teaspoonful in water every three or four hours. 

Whooping Cough. 

This disease usually commences like a common 
<eold, but the peculiar, spasmodic cough and whoop 
soon distinguish it from all other diseases. Some 
cases are so mild that no medicine is necessary. I 
have used the following prescriptions, with much 
benefit, in cases attended with severe paroxysms of 
'Coughing. Use but one at a time. 

27. 
Take of— 

Bromide of Potassium 1 drachm. 

Syrup of Ipecac 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Water 3 ounces. 

Mix. 
Dose. — One teaspoonful every three hours for a child four 
years old. 



COLIC IX IXFAXTS. 39 

28. 
Take of— 

Tincture Ass foetida ,6 drachms.. 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia. , .2 drachms. 

Simple Syrup . 3 ounces. 

Mix. 
Dose.— One teaspoonful every four hours for a child four years 
old. 

Colic in Infants. 

Infants frequently s after with Colic, and it is very 
important that mothers should know how to re- 
lieve them. A piece of warm flannel or a small 
bag of hot salt should be applied over the stomach 
and abdomen. If the bowels are costive, open 
them with a teaspoonful of Castor Oil. 

The following medicines will be suitable for in- 
ternal use: Essence of Peppermint, Extract of 
Jamaica Ginger, Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia, 
and Spirits of Camphor. These medicines may be 
given in doses of one or two drops to a child one 
year old or less, in sweetened water. Camphor- 
Water is an excellent composing medicine for chil- 
dren, in doses of one teaspoonful for a child one 
year old. All of these may be repeated every hour 
until relief is obtained. If they fail to give relief,. 
then paregoric should be given, in doses of from 
one to eight drops for a child, from one month to 
one year old, in sweetened water. Bicarbonate of 
Soda should also be given when there is aridity of 



40 COLIC IN INFANTS. 

the stomach. These medicines generally act 
better when combined, as in the following prescrip- 
tions. Use but one at a time. Paregoric should not 
be given oftener than every three hours. 



29. 

Take of— 

Bicarbonate of Soda £ teaspoonful. 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia . .£ teaspoonful. 

Essence of Peppermint \ teaspoonful. 

Water I gill. 

Mix. 

Dose. — One teaspoonful, sweetened, every hour until relieved, 
for a child one year old or less. 

30. 

Take of— 

Bicarbonate of Soda \ teaspoonful. 

Essence of Peppermint \ teaspoonful. 

Extract of Jamaica Ginger J teaspoonful. 

Water 1 gill. 

Mix. 

Dose. — For a child one year old, one teaspoonful in sweetened 
water, every hour, until relieved. 

31. 
Take of— 

Bicarbonate of Soda \ teaspoonful. 

Essence of Peppermint \ teaspoonful. 

Paregoric. 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Water 1 gill. 

Mix. 

Dose. — For a child one year old, one teaspoonful in sweetened 
water every three hours until relieved. 



WORMS. 41 

32. 

Take of— 

Paregoric 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Subnitrate of Bismuth 15 grains. 

Simple Syrup 1 ounce. 

Water 3 ounces. 

Mix. 

Dose. — For a child one year old, one teaspoonful every three 
hours. 

Worms. 

Symptoms: Picking at the nose, bad breath, 
swollen upper lip, grinding of teeth in sleep, swol- 
len abdomen, etc. 

33. 

Take of— 

Fluid Extract of Pink Root and Senna. .1 ounce. 

Dose. — One teaspoonful for a child three years old, morning 
and night, for two or three days, if necessary. 

This is a most excellent vermifuge, and children 
do not mind taking it. If it cannot be conveniently 
procured, then use the following: 

34. 
Take of— 

Wormseed Oil 1 ounce. 

Dose. — Two drops for every year of the child's age, morning 
and night, in a teaspoonful of sweetened water. 

One of the most reliable of all vermifuges, 
4 



42 THRUSH — CHICKEN POX. 

Thrush. 

This is an affection of childhood, and will be 
speedily relieved by the following treatment: 

35. 

Take of— 

Borax 1 teaspoonful. 

Water 1 gill. 

Mix. 

Apply to the affected part with a small mop. 

Or, mix the borax, reduced to a powder, with an 
equal quantity of white sugar, and apply to the sore 
places with a soft rag wrapped around the end of 
the linger. 

For other forms of sore mouth — 

36. 

Take of— 

Powdered Gum Arabic 1 ounce. 

Prepared Chalk 1 ounce. 

Mix. 

Apply to sores two or three times a day. 

Chicken Pox. 

This is an eruptive and contagious disease, 
affecting children chiefly, but adults may have it. 
The eruption appears first in the form of pimples, 
scattered about the face, neck and back; these are 



CONVULSIONS OK SPASMS — ASTHMA. 43 

succeeded in a day or two by vesicles or blisters, 
and the latter, in three or four days, form scabs, 
which dry up and fall off. Usually, no treatment is 
required. The bowels may be opened, if necessary, 
with the following: 

37. 
Take of— 

Epsoni Salts 1 teaspoonful. 

Give in one dose to a child four years old, in a little water. 

Convulsions or Spasms. 
These are very frequent in childhood, and usually 
cause much alarm. Worms, Teething and Fevers 
are among the causes. The cause must, if possible, 
be ascertained, in order to treat the case intelli- 
gently. 

38. 

If due to worms, give prescription 34. If from 
teething, the gums should be lanced. If caused by 
fever, apply cold cloths to the head, and mustard to the 
back and stomach. A warm bath is often advised 
by physicians, and if the child is not much frightened 
by being placed in the water, it is one of the very 
best remedies that can be used. 

Asthma. 

This is an affection of the chest, occurring in 
paroxysms, with great difficulty of breathing, and 
loud wheezing sounds. 



44 ASTHMA. 

At the commencement of an attack of Asthma — 

39. 

Take of— 

Tincture of Lobelia 1 ounce. 4 

Syrup of Ipecac \ ounce. 

Mix. 

Dose. — One-half a teaspoonful every hour, until sieknes- at 
the stomach or relief occurs. 

This prescription will give speedy relief in many 
cases, but as this disease is sometimes very difficult 
to relieve, it is best to have several prescriptions 
for it. 

If prescription 39 fails, use the following: 

40. 
Take of— 

Iodide of Potassium 40 grains. 

Carbonate of Ammonia. 80 grains. 

Simple Syrup. 2 ounces. 

Water 2 ounces. 

Mix. 
Dose. — Two teaspoonfuls every three hours. 

One or the other of these prescriptions will give 
marked relief in the great majority of cases. 

While taking them, the following should also be 

used. 

41. 
Take of— 

Dried Stramonium Leaves. . . .a sufficient quantity. 
Put into a pipe and smoke. 



ASTHMA — CATARRH. 45 

This prescription gives speedy relief in many 
cases. 

If it should fail, use the following : 

42. 
Take of— 

Saltpetre i pound. 

Make a strong solution bv usinsr as little water as 
will dissolve it. Then dip several pieces of blotting 
paper, the size of one's hand, in the solution, and 
put them away to dry. As soon as an attack comes 
on, burn three or four pieces' of the dried paper in 
saucers placed in different parts of the room. The 
inhalation of the fumes will usually give marked, 
and in many casee, complete relief. 

Catarrh. 

Catarrh is a term of wide significance, and may 
affect several organs of the body. Custom, how- 
ever, has limited its meaning in the popular mind 
to an affection of the nasal passages. It is a very 
common ailment, and sometimes very hard to re- 
lieve. I have known more benefit to be derived 
from Cutler's Pocket Inhaler than any other 
remedy. 

The following is an excellent prescription for it: 
4* 



46 RHEUMATISM. 

43. 

Take of— 

Morphia 1 grain. 

Subnitrate of Bismuth drachms. 

Powdered Gum Arabic 2 drachms. 

Mix. 

Snuff up the nose three times a day until relieved. 

I know, from experience, that this is a most ex- 
cellent remedy, and believe it will effect a cure in 
nearly all recent cases. It would be better for a 
druggist to put up this prescription. 

Rheumatism. 

No prescription is given for acute, usually called 
inflammatory rheumatism, because a physician 
.should always be in attendance. As chronic rheu- 
matism is sometimes exceedingly difficult to relieve, 
it is best to have several prescriptions for it. The 
following I have found to be the best in actual prac- 
tice, and one or another of them will nearly always 
effect a cure : 

44. 
Take of— 

Iodide of Potassium i ouuce. 

Water i piut. 

Mix. 

Dose.— Two teaspooufuls, morning and night, until the whole 
is taken, if complete relief is not sooner obtained. 

Also, use the following as a liniment : 



RHEUMATISM — LUMBAGO. 47 

45. 

Take of— 

Spirits of Hartshorn 2 ounces. 

Sweet Oil 2 ounces. 

Mix by shaking thoroughly. 
Bathe well two or three times a clay. 

In obstinate cases, use the following: 

4(>. 

Take of— 

Wine of Colchicum Root 1 ounce. 

Dose. — Ten drops three times a day, in a little water. 

The following has sometimes succeeded when 
everything else has failed : 

47. 

Take of— 

Tincture of Guiacum 4 ounces. 

Dose. — One teaspoonful three times a day, in a little sweet- 
ened water. 

The following should be used as a liniment, with 
either of the last two prescriptions : 

48. 
Take of— 

Chloroform. 2 ounces. 

Sweet Oil 4 ounces. 

Mix well. 
Bathe the affected parts two or three times a day. 

Lumbago. 

This is a form of Rheumatism, affecting the 
muscles of the back near the region of the kidneys. 



4*8 LUMBAGO. 

It is attended with much pain in the movements of 
the body, particularly in rising from a sitting or 
recumbent position. 

Local treatment is generally all that is necessary. 
A large mustard plaster should be applied at bed- 
time, and repeated the second and third nights, if 
necessary. During the day, the back should be 
well rubbed with liniments — prescriptions 45 or 48. 

In a few days the patient will be much better. 
If the back should remain weak, the following must 
he used : 

49. 

Take- 
One Porous Strengthening Plaster. 
Apply to part affected. 

This will have a gentle warming and strengthen- 
ing effect. Let it remain until it loosens and falls 
off. 

For a Chronic Rheumatic or Neuralgic pain located 
in any part of the body, use the following : 

50. 

Take- 
One Belladona Plaster. 

Apply over seat of pain, and let it remain 
•until it loosens and falls off. A most excellent 
remedy and almost certain to effect a cure. 



CONSTIPATION. 49 

Constipation. 

This affection is attended with much discomfort, 
and is productive of several serious diseases. It 
should, therefore, never be neglected. It is highly 
important that a person troubled with Constipation 
should go to the water closet at the same hour 
every day. Let him do this regularly and nature 
will soon come to his relief. If he has no evacu- 
ation from the bowels, he should give himself an 
injection of water, (not necessary to be warm,) 
using a pint or more. It frequently happens when 
persons have been costive for several days, the 
contents of the bowels become impacted in large, 
hard lumps, causing much discomfort, and severe 
pains in the abdomen. The calls of nature become 
urgent, attempts to relieve the bow T els are attended 
with much straining, and sometimes the suffering 
is intense, in consequence of the inability to have 
an evacuation. Very much the same condition of 
things happens when children have eaten large 
quantities of indigestible food, or swallowed the 
stones of cherries and other fruits. Every one 
should be instructed that in this state of things, 
immediate and complete relief can be obtained by 
injections of warm water, using a pint at once, and 
repeating once or twice, if necessary. 



50 CONSTIPATION — DYSPEPSIA. 

The following prescriptions will usually have the 
effect of producing a discharge from the bowels 
once daily : 

51. v 
Take of— 

Root of Rhubarb . 5 or 10 cts. worth. 

Carry in the pocket, and chew small pieces sev- 
eral times daily. 

52. 
Take of— 

Powdered Rhubarb 30 grains. 

Powdered Compound Extract of Colocynth. .20 grains. 
Make 20 pills. 
Dose — One pill every night at bedtime, omitting any night 
when bowels are loose. 

These prescriptions will have the desired effect in 

almost every case, but some cases are very obstinate, 

and you should then get your druggist to put up 

the following : 

53. 

Take of— 

Powdered Rhubarb 30 grains. 

Aloes 30 grains. 

Extract of Belladona 3 grains. 

Oil of Cloves 3 drops. 

Make 30 pills. 
Dose. — One pill every night at bedtime. 

Dyspepsia. 

Thorough mastication of the food is of the highest 
importance in this disease. The dyspeptic should 



DYSPEPSIA. 



51 



eat slowly, and rest an hour after each meal. He- 
should not think about his stomach, or his diet, any 
further than to avoid any article of food that dis- 
agrees with him, and to eat whatever does agree 
with him, no matter what it is. He should make 
the last meal of the day the chief one. The popu- 
lar notion that it is injurious to eat immediately 
before sleeping or retiring, is erroneous. In active 
exercise, a part of the blood the stomach needs to 
assist in the process of digestion is diverted to the 
surface and extremities of the body. But when the 
body is at rest, as in sleep, the stomach receives its 
due supply of blood, and the food taken is normally 
digested. 

To give tone and vigor to the stomach, and thus 
facilitate digestion — 

54. 

Take of— 

Compound Tincture of Gentian. . . .4 ounces. 
Dose. — One teaspoonful three times a day. 

If the bowels are costive — 



55. 



Take of— 



Compound Tincture of Gentian 2 ounces. 

Tincture of Rhubarb 2 ounces. 



Mix. 



Dose. — Two teaspoonful s three times a day. 



52 DYSPEPSIA — NEURALGIA. 

To relieve the pain or aching sensation occurring 
during digestion — 

56. 
Take of— 

Subnitrate of Bismuth 1 drachm. 

Make 12 powders. 
Dose. — One powder in water every three or four hours. 

As water brash and heart-burn are frequent symp- 
toms in dyspepsia, they sometimes require treat- 
ment. 

To relieve water brash — 

57. 

Take of— 

Lime-water 1 pint. 

Dose. — One tablespoonful three or four times a day. 

To relieve heart burn — 

58. 
Take of— 

Bicarbonate of Soda 1 ounce. 

Dose. — One-fourth of a teaspoonful, as required, in a little 
water. 

Neuralgia. 

This painful affection is caused, I think, in the 
majority of cases, either by decayed teeth or malaria. 
When due to decayed teeth, they should be extracted. 
When caused by malaria, quinine and iron should 



VERTIGO. 53 

be given. The following will make an excellent 
prescription : 

59. 

Take of— 

Quinine 30 grains. 

Proto Carbonate of Iron (Yallett's Mass.). 60 grains. 
Make 30 pills. 
Dose. — Two pills three times a day. 

Get your druggist to compound this prescription. 



Vertigo. 

Symptoms : Giddiness, a feeling as if everything 
was turning around, reeling in walking, and some- 
times inability to stand. An attack may last but a 
few minutes, or ma}' continue for hours or days. 

If the stomach is disordered, the liver torpid, or 
the bowels costive — 

60. 

Take of— 

Compound Cathartic Pills 4, 

Take the whole at bedtime. 

Vertigo is often due to debility. When this is 
the case, ten or fifteen drops of muriated tincture of 
iron should be given in a wineglassful of water 
three times a day. 
5 



54 PALPITATION — HEADACHE. 

Palpitation. 

Many persons have occasional attacks of palpi- 
tation, and others sometimes have nervous attacks 
with weak, sinking sensations. 

For these ailments — 

61. 

Take of— 

Elixir Valerianate of Ammonia . . 2 ounces. 
Dose. — One teaspoonful every two or three hours until re- 
lieved. 

One of the most pleasant and efficient remedies 
for nervous attacks. 



When this medicine cannot be conveniently pro- 
cured, use the following: 

62. 

Take of— 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia 1 ounce. 

Dose. — Fifteen drops in a teaspoonful or two of sweetened 
water, and repeated every hour until relieved. 

Headache. 

This is a frequent symptom of several serious dis- 
eases, but it often occurs without being connected, 
apparently, w T ith any special ailment. If from cold, 
fatigue, loss of rest and sleep, go to bed, get a good 
nap, and you will awake feeling much better. 



HEADACHE — SICK HEADACHE 55 

If from indigestion, or a disordered stomach — 

63. 

Take of— 

Compound Cathartic Pills 4. 

Take them all in one dose. 

If from an excess of acid in the stomach, as indi- 
cated by acid eructations, heart-burn, &c. — 

64. 
Take of— 

Bicarbonate of Potassa 3 drachms. 

Water 2 ounces. 

Dose.— One teaspoonful every three or four hours. 

If of a nervous or neuralgic character — 

65. 

Take of— 

Bromide of Potassium | ounce. 

Water 4 ounces. 

Mix. 
Dose.— A dessert spoonful every four hours. 

Sick Headache. 

This affection is due to a peculiar condition of 
the nervous system, and debility of the stomach; 
and any irritation of this organ affects the brain 



50 SICK HEADACHE. 

through sympathy. There is no specific treatment 
for it, and no one remedy that will do good in all 
cases. The best general treatment is as follows: 

GO. 

Take of— 

Blue Mass 10 grains. 

Take at one dose as soon as there are any symp- 
toms indicating an approaching attack, and in six 
hours, if bowels are costive, take a seidlitz powder. 

If there is acidity of the stomach, take prescrip- 
tion 64. 

I have found the following prescription to have 
an excellent effect in many cases : 

67. 

Take of— 

Hoffman's Anodyne 1 ounce. 

Paregoric 1 ounce. 

Mix. 

Take a teaspoonful every two or three hours in 
sweetened water. 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia frequently has an 
excellent effect, taken in doses of ten to fifteen 
drops, in water, every two hours. The patient 
should also frequently inhale the ammonia, and 



GRAVEL. 57 

bathe the temples and forehead with it. Inhalation 
of ammonia usually gives decided relief in all forms 
of headache. 

Gravel. 

Gravel consists of small concretions formed in the 
kidneys or bladder, frequently causing much diffi- 
culty and pain in urinating. 

I have found the following prescriptions very 

useful when the difficulty in passing w T ater is due 

either to gravel or some other trouble in the 

bladder : 

68. 
Take of— 

Fluid Extract of Buchu 1 ounce. 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre 1 ounce. 

Simple Syrup 1 ounce. 

Water 1 ounce. 

Mix. 
Dose. — Two teaspoonfuls every three or four hours until re- 
lieved. 

The following has seldom. failed in my hands: 

69. 

Take of— 

Balsam of Copaiba 4 teaspoonfuls. 

Tincture of Chloride of Iron.. 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre 1-J- ounces. 

Simple Syrup 1 ounce. 

Mix by shaking well. 
Dose. — One teaspoonful three times a day, shaking well each 
time before taking it. 
5* 



58 PILES. 

Piles. 

Piles are a source of much discomfort, and some- 
times cause great suffering. It is highly important, 
in this affection, to have an evacuation of the bowels 
every day. For this purpose — 

70. 

Take of— 

Cream of Tartar . . 1 ounce. 

Sulphur 1 ounce. 

Mix. 

Dose.— -One teaspoonful at bedtime in molasses. Continue 
every night until bowels are free, and use afterward as needed. 

71. 

Take of— 

Powdered Opium 10 grains. 

Tannin 1 drachm. 

Lard 1 tablespoonful. 

Mix. 
Apply as an ointment twice daily. 

These prescriptions for piles will usually accom- 
plish the desired result, but sometimes they are 
very difficult to cure. In such cases the following 
treatment will usually give marked, and if con- 
tinued long enough, permanent relief. Use a daily 
injection of water, sufficient to bring away the con- 
tents of the lower bowels. Then use a small injec- 



INGROWING TOE-NAIL — BOILS. 59 

tion — say a tablespoonful of a solution of alum — 
and retain this in the bowels, if possible; also, use 
ointment, prescription 71, if necessary for comfort. 

Ingrowing Toe-nail. 

If the toe is feverish and swollen, absolute rest is 
necessary for several clays. Apply warm poultices 
until the fever has disappeared. Then use the fol- 
lowing : 

72. 

Take of— 

Liquid Persulphate of Iron 1 ounce. 

Saturate a piece of cotton w^ith it, and very care- 
fully insert between the flesh and nail. Continue 
this treatment for several days, inserting fresh 
cotton as often as may be necessary. If directions 
are followed, a cure may be expected. 

Boils. 

Apply warm mush or flaxseed meal poultices 
until brought to a head. When Boils return or 
appear on several parts of the body at the same- 
time, use the following: 

73. 

Take of— 

Iodide of Potassium 3 drachms. 

Water -J- pint. 

Mix. 
Dose. — One dessert spoonful three times a day. 



60 BOILS — CARBUNCLES — EAR ACH E. 

This prescription will seldom fail in effecting a 
•cure. I think 1 have succeeded with it nineteen 
times in twenty. But if it should fail, use the 
following : 

74. 

'Take of— 

Iodide of Potassium 80 grains. 

Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla 1 ounce. 

Simple Syrup 1-J ounce. 

Water. , 1| ounce. 

Mix. 
Dose. — Two teaspoonfuls three times a day. 

Carbuncles. 

Treatment same as for Boils. It may be neces- 
sary for a doctor to be called in. 

Earache. 

Earache, when requiring treatment, will be re- 
lieved by the following : 

75. 

Take of— 

Warm Sweet Oil 10 drops. 

Laudanum 5 drops 

Mix. 

Pour from a spoon into the ear. A piece of wool 
should be kept in the ear to protect from cold. 



EARACHE — THE EYE. 61 

When insects get in the ear, it should be very 
gently syringed, or tepid water should be poured 
into it. This will bring away the insect, or cause 
it to leave the ear. 

Wax in a hardened form sometimes accumulates 
in the ear, causing more or less deafness. Its re- 
moval should never be attempted with hairpins or 
any other instrument by unprofessional persons. 
The head should be inclined to one side, so that 
warm oil can be poured in the ear without running 
out. Keep the head in this position several 
minutes. Repeat daily, until the wax softens and 
comes out. 

The Eye. 

When any foreign substance gets in the Eye, the 
tears will generally flow freely and bring it away. 
When they do not, the lids should be raised or lowered, 
and an examination of the eye should be thoroughly 
made, and the offending substance, w T hen found, 
may be removed by means of a point made in a 
silk handkerchief. Sometimes the substance can 
be distinctly felt in the eye, but on examination 
cannot be discovered. In such cases, if the person 
making the examination will blow his breath 
forcibly in the eye, immediate relief will generally 
be the result. 



032 THE EYE — TOOTHACHE. 

When mortar or lime gets in the eye, use the 
following: 

76. 
Take of— 

Vinegar 1 part. 

Water 8 parts. 

Mix. 
Apply freely. 

The following makes an excellent eye water : 

77. 

Take of— 

Sulphate of Zinc 4 grains. 

Rain Water 2 ounces. 

Mix. 

Drop three or four drops in the eye twice daily. 

Toothache. 

Consult a dentist as to the propriety of having 
the tooth tilled. If, in his opinion, the tooth can be 
saved by filling it, b} 7 all means have it done. But 
if it is not worth filling, much relief may be ob- 
tained by the use of the following: 

78. 
Take of— 

Tincture of Myrrh | ounce. 

Pour a few drops into the hollow of the tooth, or 
insert cotton saturated with it in the tooth. 



TOOTHACHE. 63 

The following is the best application that- can be 
used when the tooth is hollow and the nerve ex- 
posed : 

79. 

Take of— 

Creasote , \ ounce. 

Take a good-sized broom straw, and with the 
teeth make a kind of brush of one end. Dip the 
brush end in the creasote, and insert carefully in 
the hollow of the tooth. If the creasote should 
accidentally burn or blister the mouth, rinse it im- 
mediately with cold water. One application will 
usually give immediate relief. Repeat once or 
twice, if necessarj 7 . 

The above are the remedies I have found most 
effectual in toothache. Creasote is the remedy 
most highly recommended by the best authorities, 
and the one that has proven most efficient in my 
hands. I have frequently experienced immediate re- 
lief from its use. I will add that I have lately learned 
that table salt will give immediate relief, and that 
I have prescribed it in several cases, and in every 
case thus far with the most happy results. It is 
only necessary to apply a little salt between the 
finger and thumb to the hollow of the tooth, and 
the result will be immediate relief. 



f>4 ITCH — CHAPPED HANDS, FACE OK LIPS. 



Itch. 

Itch is very annoying. The following treatment 
will be successful : Wash the affected parts well 
with warm water and soap. Then use the follow- 



ing: 



80. 
Take of— 

Sulphur ■. 1 ounce. 

Lard 2 ounces. 

Make an ointment. 

Apply thoroughly once daily. 
A certain cure. 

Chapped Hands. Face or Lips. 

For the face and lips, use the following: 

81. 
Take of— 

Glycerine 1 part. 

Eose Water 5 or 6 parts. 

Mix. 
Apply freely at bedtime. 

For the hands — 

82 
Take of— 

Carbolic Acid 10 drops. 

Glycerine 1 ounce. 

Mix. 



SALT RHEUM, TETTER, ERUPTIOXS, &C. 65 

Clean the hands well, and apply thoroughly at 
bedtime. 



Salt Rheum. Tetter, Eruptions of the Skin. «fcc. 

For Salt Rheum, Tetter and all the various forms 
of eruptions of the Skin, the following will be 
found an excellent prescription : 



83. 
Take of— 

Iodide of Potassium 3 drachms. 

Water ..1 gill. 

Mix. 

Dose. — One teaspoonful three times a day. 



In any condition of the system, indicating a de- 
praved state of the blood, as manifested by Boils, 
Carbuncles, Eruptions and the various skin diseases, 
and sores or ulcers indisposed to heal, iodide of 
potassium and sarsaparilla are the best remedies for 
families to use. These medicines have a better 
effect combined, and prescription 74 should be used. 
The most satisfactory results may be expected in 
almost every case. 

Vasaline or cosmoline may be applied to erup- 
tions and sores, with decided benefit. 

6 * 



66 RINGWORMS — DANDRUFF — SOKE NIPPLES. 

Ringworm^. 

The following treatment will accomplish the de- 
sired result: 



84. 
Take of— 

Tincture of Iodine 1 ounce. 

Apply with a feather over fhe affected part, once 
or twice daily. A speedy cure may be expected. 



Dandruff. 

85. 
Take of— 

Sulphuret of Potassium i ounce. 

Water 1 quart. 

Mix. 

Wash the scalp with soap and water, wipe dry, 
and apply this prescription once daily. 

Sore Xipples. 

86. 
Take of— 

Tincture of Catechu .1 ounce. 

Apply every time after child " nurses." 

An excellent prescription for this painful affec- 
tion. 



CORNS. 67 

Corns. 

Corns are very troublesome, and sometimes diffi- 
cult to cure, but the following treatment, if per- 
severed in, will effect a cure : 

87. 

Pare the corn closely with a razor, but not so 
close as to cause bleeding. Then soak in warm 
water ten or fifteen minutes, and pick out centre or 
core. A small, soft piece of buckskin, with a hole 
(the size of the corn) in the centre, should now be 
applied, and retained in place by means of narrow 
strips of adhesive plaster, taking care that no part 
of the buckskin presses on the corn. Or, several 
pieces of adhesive plaster may be cut into the shape 
of a ring, and one piece should be applied over 
another until there are three or four thicknesses of 
it, using care to avoid pressure on the corn. Then — 

88. 
Take of— 

Lunar Caustic 1 stick. 

Moisten one end of the stick, and press on the 
corn. The caustic will produce a dark or black 
layer, and when this falls off, if the corn is not re- 
moved, the caustic should again be applied, and this 
process must be continued until a cure is effected. 



68 BUNIONS — SORES ON CHILDREN'S HEADS. 

If, when this dark layer falls off, the corn should be 
so hard that the caustic will have no effect — in other 
words, produces no pain in its application* — then the 
corn should be gently touched or scraped with the 
sharp point of the blade of a pocket knife, until it 
becomes tender or sore, and the caustic should then 
be applied. Persons suffering with corns should 
wear shoes made of soft leather, and a little large. 

Bunions. 

If swollen, tender and feverish, apply a poultice 
until all the fever and tenderness leave. Then use 
the following: 

89. 
Take of— 

Tincture of Iodine 1 ounce. 

Apply once every day by means of a feather. 

Persons who have bunions should have their 
shoes made to order, and so made as to avoid pres- 
sure on the affected part. 

Sores on Children's Heads. 

Children frequently have sores on their heads, 
presenting a very unsightly appearance. They 
should be treated as follows : Wash the head 
gently, but effectually, and then — 



SORES — CUTS AND ABRASIONS OF THE SKIN. G9 

90. 

Take of — 

Calomel I teaspoonful. 

Lard 2 tablespoonfuls. 

Mix. 

Apply carefully and thoroughly to sores once 
daily. This is a most excellent remedy, and one 
that can be counted on to make a speedy cure. 

Cuts and Abrasions of the Skin. 

91. 

Clean the wound thoroughly, and when the blood 
has ceased flowing, bring the edges of the cut nicely 
together and retain by means of adhesive plaster. 
If the plaster is properly applied, it will not become 
loose for several days, and by that time the wound 
will probably have healed. In cases of abrasions of 
the skin, adhesive plaster should be applied large 
enough to cover the abrasion, and thus exclude the 
air. If it becomes loose before the wound has 
healed, apply another plaster. 

If the wound does not heal in a few days, and 

matter begins to form, then use the following as an 

ointment : 

92. 
Take of— 

Beeswax 1 part. 

Lard 3 parts. 

Melt together. 
Apply, when cool, once or twice daily, by means 

of a soft rag. 
6* 



70 CUTS, &C. — SPITTING OF BLOOD. 

For old sores and wounds, the following prescrip- 
tion should be used : 



93. 

Take of— 

Beeswax 1 part. 

English Rosin 2 parts. 

Lard 4 parts. 

Melt together. 

Apply once or twice daily. 

This is one of the best salves -or ointments that 
can be used for old wounds or old sores, and burns 
indisposed to heal. 

Spitting of Blood. 

Hold small pieces of ice in the mouth, swallowing 
•slowly as they dissolve. If ice cannot be procured, 
take a teaspoonful of salt, and keep in the mouth 
until it dissolves, and swallow slowly. Persons 
subject to Spitting of Blood should keep in the 
house some form of Ergot. The following is a 
good form for easy administration : 

94. 
Take of— 

Fluid Extract of Ergot 1 ounce. 

Dose. — One teaspoonful in a little water two or three times a 
day, or every hour, if necessary, until relieved. 



BLEEDING AT THE NOSE — VOMITING. <1 

Bleeding at the Xose. 

This is a frequent symptom in young people, 
and when not excessive, it need not be checked, 
•especially in persons of full habit. When excessive, 
means should always be taken to arrest it. For 
this purpose, apply cloths, wrung out of cold water, 
to the back of the neck, or over the spine between 
the shoulder blades, and plug nostrils with cotton, 
clipped in a strong solution of alum or sugar of lead 
■solution. 

If not speedily relieved, take prescription 94. 

Vomiting. 

Vomiting is sometimes a distressing symptom, 
and requires to be checked. For this purpose take 
fifteen drops of aromatic spirits of ammonia, in a 
little water, every half-hour. As soon as ammonia 
is administered, apply a mustard plaster over the 
stomach. It must be allowed to remain until redness 
of the skin is produced. If it becomes dry and hard, 
a fresh one must be applied. If the vomiting con- 
tinues, take half a teaspoonful of paregoric, in a 
little water, every hour. Four or live doses will 
not be too much unless the vomiting ceases before 
that many are taken. 

The following prescription will sometimes give 
immediate relief: 



72 VOMITING — PAINTING — SUNSTROKE. 

95. 

'Take of— 

.Lime-water 1 dessert spoonful. 

Milk 1 dessert spoonful. 

Mix. 

Dose. — Take the whole at once, and repeat every half-hour. 

A small quautity of crashed ice, slowly dissolved 
in the mouth, and swallowed, will do good, but 
water will be injurious. 

Fainting. 

96. 

Lay the person down at once, with head on a 
level with the body, to favor the flow of blood to 
; the brain. Loosen the clothing about the neck and 
chest, and sprinkle cold water over the face and 
apply smelling salts or hartshorn at intervals under 
the nostrils. Give the person plenty of air ; if in a 
house, open doors and windows. Do not let by- 
standers crowd around. Keep cool and self-pos- 
sessed. Follow these directions, and the patient will 
soon be all right. 

Sunstroke. 

97. 

Lay the person down, with head slightly elevated. 
-Sprinkle cold water freely over the face. Apply 



SUNSTROKE — FITS. 16 

<eloths wet with cold water on the head. Loosen 

the clothing and let the patient have pure air. 

Send for a physician immediately, and if patient 

has been moved to a cool, shady place, keep him 

perfectly quiet, and do not remove him until after 

the arrival of the doctor, unless he is very much 

improved. 

Fits. 

An attack frequently comes on suddenly, without 
warning ; in other cases, certain premonitory symp- 
toms warn the patient of its approach. The person 
at first struggles violent^, and froths freely at the 
mouth. 

Loosen the clothing and give patient plenty of 
air. Wrap a small handkerchief around a spoon- 
handle or anything convenient, and place between 
the patient's teeth to prevent the tongue from being 
bitten. Use only sufficient force, in restraining the 
person's movements, to keep him from injuring 
himself. 

The following prescription will generally effect a 
•cure : 

98. 
Take of— 

Iodide of Potassium £ ounce. 

Bromide of Ammonium 1 ounce. 

Bromide of Potassium 2 ounces. 

Water ,12 ounces. 

Mix. 
Dose. — One teaspoonful three times a clay in a little water, 
-sweetened or not, according to taste. 



74 FKOSTBITE — CHILBLAINS. 

Frostbite. 

99. 

A person who has been frostbitten should not go 
near the tire for several hours. Cold water or snow, 
if it can be procured, should be applied to the part 
affected until the circulation of the blood is gently 
and gradually restored. 

Chilblains. 

In this affection the skin of the affected part be- 
comes of a purplish color during cold weather, with 
.-an itching, tingling sensation. 

100. 

Apply steamed cabbage leaves or bathe with solu- 
tions made of oak bark, or alum or copperas. 

If the skin should be broken and vesication or 
■ulceration result — 

101. 

Take of— 

Vasaline 1 small box. 

Apply once or twice daily. 

If vasaline does not relieve the case, apply cosmo- 
line. 



BURNS. 75* 



ACCIDENTS. 



Burns. 

In the treatment of burns, it is very important 
that the part burned be as little exposed to the air- 
as possible. 

102. 

Take of— 

Linseed Oil . , . 1 gill. 

Lime-water i pint. 

Mix. 

Spread on one side of a soft rag and apply. This 
is one of the best applications for burns that can be 
used. 

If lime-water is not convenient, may use linseed 
oil alone, and if this cannot be procured at once,, 
use sweet oil or lard. The white of esiffs is also a 
very good and soothing application for burns. Pour 
freely over the burn, and protect with a soft rag. 

Later, when there is no fever or inflammation, 
and the burn begins to heal, use vasaline or cosmo- 
line. 

If the burn is extensive, or deep and near a joint, 
it would be better to call in a physician, as some 



7(5 INFLAMMATORY SWELLINGS — BEE STINGS, &0. 

deformity may result from contraction of the mus- 
cles. 

Inflammatory Swelling*. 

103. 

Take of— 

Sugar of Lead .2 drachm-. 

Water 1 pint. 

Mix. 

This lotion is much more cooling and lasting in 
its effects than water alone, and should be applied 
in the same way by means of a small, soft hand- 
kerchief or an old piece of soft linen thoroughly 
wet with it, and renewed as fast as it dries. One- 
fourth part laudanum may be added when there is 
much pain. 

One of the best applications for all inflammatory 
swellings. 

For Sting* of Bees, Wasps, «fcc. 
104. 
Take of— 

Spirits of Hartshorn, and 

Water equal parts. 

Mix. 

Bathe well every hour. 

If hartshorn is not convenient, laudanum and 
water in equal parts may be used. 



BRUISES — SPRAINS ' 77 

Bruises. 

Bruises are usually attended with more or less 
swelling of the injured part, speedily followed by 
discoloration of the skin. 

Apply wet cloths for several hours, and then use 
the following : 

105. 

Take of— 

Tincture of Arnica, and 

Water equal parts. 

Mix. 
Apply by means of a small handkerchief, or a 
piece of old linen thoroughly saturated with it. 



Sprains. 

Apply cloths wet with cold water for several 
hours or a clay or two, until all fever has disap- 
peared from the injured part, and then use the fol- 
lowing : 

106. 
Take of— 

Spirits of Turpentine 1 ounce. 

Spirits of Camphor 1 ounce. 

Spirits of Hartshorn 1 ounce. 

Sweet Oil 1 ounce. 

Mix by shaking well, and bathe well two or three 
times a day. 
7 



78 DROWNING. 

Drowning. 

As soon as the person has been taken out of the 
water remove clothing, unless the weather is very 
cold, and wrap a blanket around the body. First 
turn the person's face downwards, with forehead 
resting on the arm, and draw the tongue forward 
to favor escape of water. A large pillow, bolster or 
something similar should be placed under the stom- 
ach to further favor escape of water. Do this for 
two or three minutes, and theu lay the person on 
his back and try to restore natural breathing in 
the following manner: Take hold of the wrists, 
and bring the arms back above the head until the 
hands meet, then carry the arms, back and press 
gently against the sides of the chest. This process 
will constitute one movement, and there must be 
eighteen or twenty such movements every minute. 
The objeet is to expand and contract the chest, and 
thus to imitate its motion when breathing. In the 
meantime, the limbs must be rubbed vigorously 
from the hands and feet upwards towards the body. 
Mustard must be applied to the stomach and the 
back, and bottles of hot water or warm bricks 
to the feet. This treatment must be continued for 
at least a half-hour, unless the person sooner re- 
vives, and it may be continued longer if there should 
be the slightest indications of returning conscious- 
ness. 



FRACTURES AND DISLOCATIONS — WOUNDS. 71) 

Fractures anil Dislocations. 

When a bone is broken a grating sound can 
sometimes be heard, caused by the ends of the bone 
rubbing against each other m r the limb is usually 
bent, and the slightest movement causes great pain. 
In dislocations there is more or less deformity of 
the limb, and the joint is stiff and immovable. 

A physician should be sent for immediately. 
While waiting for the doctor, the injured limb must 
be straightened as much as possible, and laid upon 
a pillow, or placed in such position as will give the 
most ease and comfort to the patient. If the 
weather be warm, cloths wet with cold water must 
be placed over the seat of injury, and they must be 
frequently renewed. If the weather be cold, cloths 
wet with tepid water should be used. The object 
of this treatment is to keep down fever, inflam- 
mation and consequent swelling of the injured part. 
If the limb is not much swollen when the doctor 
arrives, he can ascertain the exact nature and extent 
of the injury much more readily than when there is 
much swelling, and he can also adopt the proper 
treatment with much less pain to the patient. 



Wounds. 

Nothing is more alarming than profuse hemor- 
rhage from a wound. If the blood is of a bright, 



80 WOUNDS. 

red color, and flows in spurts, it comes from an 
artery, and this is much more dangerous than when 
it is of a dark color, and flows in a steady stream 
from a vein. If the wound is near a bone, as about 
the head, hands or feet, firm pressure of the wounded 
vessel against the bone will stop the bleeding, or 
control it until the arrival of a doctor. 

In case of a wound of the arm or leg, make a 
tight knot in a handkerchief, apply the knot imme- 
diately above the wound, pass the ends of the hand- 
kerchief around the limb and tie them. Xow insert 
a smooth, strong stick between the tied ends and 
the limb, and twist until the knot in the middle of 
the handkerchief makes firm pressure against the 
bleeding vessel and arrests the flow of blood. If 
the bleeding is from a vein, a piece of cotton satu- 
rated with liquid persulphate of iron, or cobwebs 
applied freely, will cause the blood to clot and thus 
stop the flow. In all cases of profuse hemorrhage, 
send for a physician immediately. 



POISONS. 81 



POISONS. 



If it be known that a person has taken poison, a 
physician mast be sent for at once — but no time 
must be lost iu waiting for his arrival. The patient 
must be made to vomit freely, as speedily as pos- 
sible, no matter what may be the nature of the 
poison swallowed. 

For this purpose — 

107. 

Take of— 

Mustard 1 teaspoonful. 

Tepid Water .1 teacupful. 

Mix by stiring well. 
Give the whole at one dose, and repeat every ten 
minutes until free vomiting is induced. 

If no mustard is at hand — 

108. 

Take of— 

Table Salt 2 teaspoonfuls. 

Tepid Water ,1 teacupful. 

Mix. 

Give the whole at one dose, and repeat every ten 

minutes until free vomiting is induced. 

7* 



82 poisons. 

If the nature of the Poison is unknown, Calcined 
Magnesia, Pulverized Charcoal and Hydrated Per- 
oxide of Iron must be given. One or another of 
these is an antidote for nearly every Mineral Poison. 
A teaspoonful of each mixed together in water 
must be given every ten minutes until relief is 
obtained. 



Opium— LaiMlauu m— Morphia. 

More persons are probably poisoned by Opium or 
some of its preparations, as Laudanum, Morphia, 
&c, than from any other cause. A deep stupor 
overcomes the victim, from which it is sometimes 
almost impossible to arouse him. When this is the 
•case cold water must be poured upon the head, and 
the feet, ankles and as much of the legs as possible 
must be immersed in water as hot as can be borne. 
When some degree of consciousness has been re- 
stored, he must be placed on his feet, and an assist- 
ant on each side must make him walk, and he 
must be kept walking until all danger is past. In 
the meantime, strong coffee should be drank freely. 

Arsenic. 

For this, give Magnesia and water freely, or as 
many of the whites of eggs as can be swallowed, 



poisons. 83 

suspended in milk, until the chemical antidote, 
Hydrated Peroxide of Iron, can be procured. 

This must be given in tablespoonful doses, every 
ten minutes, until relief is obtained. 

Acids. Oil of Vitriol. Aqua Fort is. «fce. 

Give cooking soda, or chalk, freely, in water. 

Carbolic Acid. 

Give Sweet Oil, or Lard, very freely. 

Potash. Concentrated IVye, «fcc. 

The best antidote is Vinegar, given in large 
quantities, diluted with water, if very strong. 
Sweet Oil or Lard must also be freely administered. 

Nitrate of Silver. 

The antidote is Table Salt, largely o;iven. 

Mercury. 

Our chief dependence in poisoning from any 
form of Mercury is in the white of eggs, and as 
many must be given as the patient can swallow. 



S4 OUTLINE OF TREATMENT. 



OUTLINE OF TREATMENT. 



in Outline of Treatment to be Adopted in 

Cases in which the Disease is not well 

known, and while waiting for the 

Arrival of the Doctor. 

In the preceding pages I have given, when neces- 
sary, in plain, simple language, the prominent symp- 
toms of the diseases and ailments prescribed for. 
With the aid of the brief descriptions given, heads 
<of families will be able to conduct the treatment 
prescribed without any difficulty. In all cases of 
serious illness, and in all cases in which the disease 
is not well known, the family physician should be 
called in without delay. But it often happens when 
the doctor is sent for he is many miles distant from 
his office, professionally engaged, and may not 
reach the patient for several hours, and it is very 
important to know how to render the condition of 
the patient as comfortable as possible until his 
arrival. In such cases the following general treat- 
ment will be appropriate; 



OEXERAL TREATMENT. 85 

To Relieve Pain. 

In mild cases, Extract of Jamaica Ginger is an 
excellent remedy, and should be given in doses of 
twenty or thirty drops every hour in a tablespoouful 
•of water. A bag of hot salt, renewed as fast as it 
oools, or a mustard plaster, should be applied as 
•soon as possible over the seat of the pain. This 
treatment will be appropriate for all mild cases, no 
matter what may be the disease or the location of 
the pain. 

But it often happens, in severe cases, that this 
treatment will only give partial relief. In such 
cases opium in some form is the great remedy, and 
laudanum is best adapted for use of families. 
Laudanum is perfectly safe for adults, or for chil- 
dren over five years of age, for pains occurring in 
any part of the body except the head. Should the 
pains occur in any part of the stomach or bowels, 
or in the region of the loins, bladder, kidneys or 
heart, twenty-five drops of laudanum must be given 
at once, and in one hour the dose must be repeated 
if the patient is not relieved. Should the pains be 
violent, or should they return after being quieted, 
the third or even the fourth dose may be given. In 
.all such cases apply hot salt or mustard over the 
seat of pain immediately. 



86 GENERAL TREATMENT. 

If the pain should be located in the breast or 
•chest, it would be better to give but one dose of 
laudanum, unless you are certain the heart is the 
organ affected, but the hot salt and mustard should 
be continued until the arrival of the doctor. 

If the bowels are costive, in addition to the above 
treatment injections should be given as directed in 
the treatment for colic. 

When there are severe pains in the head, the 
patient should use a hot mustard foot-bath. The 
"water should be as hot as the hand will bear; the 
feet, ankles and lower half of the legs should be 
kept in it for ten minutes. Hot water may be 
added to the bath to keep up the heat. A mustard 
plaster should next be applied to the back of the 
neck, and if there is much heat of the head, use 
cold, wet cloths. 

A pain in the side, a few inches from the nipple, 
with fever and cough, threatens pleurisy or pneu- 
monia. Hot salt or a mustard plaster should be 
applied externally, and the patient may take a ten 
grain dose of Dover's Powders, if convenient; one 
dose only should be taken. The patient may drink 
freely of flaxseed tea. 

A person stricken with apoplexy will be partially 
or completely unconscious, and the breathing will 
<be slow, and perhaps labored. If there is more 



FEVERS — OPIUM — USE AND ABUSE. 87" 

than the natural heat of the head, cold, wet cloths 
may be used, and mustard plasters may be applied. 
to the back of the neck, spine, wrists and ankles. 



Fevers. 

All cases of Fever should be treated as follows, 
until the arrival of the family physician : 

If due to a cold, one-third of a teaspoonful of 
Syrup of Ipecac, and half a teaspoonful of Sweet 
Spirits of Xitre should be given together in water, 
every two hours. 

If the Fever does not appear to be due to a 
cold, and is attended with a hot, dry skin, then 
give one teaspoonful of Sweet Spirits of Nitre in 
water, every two hours. If there is more than the 
natural heat of the head, apply cold, wet cloths to 
the forehead. Renew frequently, and continue as 
long as agreeable to the feelings of the patient. If 
the Fever does not appear to be due to a cold, and 
is attended with a hot, dry skin, let the patient 
drink cold water freely. Cold w r ater is nature's 
great remedy for a Fever. 

Opiuin— Use and Abuse. 

One of the great objects of medical treatment is 
the relief of pain, and when severe, Opium or some 



88 OPIUM — VSE AND ABUSE. 

of its preparations, as Laudanum or Morphia, arc- 
by far the most valuable and reliable remedies 
that can be used. They can be employed with 
entire safety, in all cases in which their use is 
advised in this work — in fact, no other medicines 
can at all be depended on to have the same good 
effect. I have, however, been careful never to 
advise their use in any chronic affection. Xo one 
should ever take these medicines more than three 
or four days at a time, and then only in acute 
affections, unless prescribed by a physician. Per- 
sons able to be up, and to attend to their usual 
vocations, but who daily suffer with chronic pains,, 
as in Rheumatism, Neuralgia, Dyspepsia, &c.,. 
should never take Opium in any form. It is safe 
and invaluable in acute diseases, because as these 
diseases last but a few days, or a week or two at 
most, there is no occasion to increase the dose to 
obtain the desired effect, and no inclination on the 
part of the patient to use the medicine after the 
pain ceases, But in chronic affections, lasting in- 
definitely, those who resort to these medicines to 
obtain relief, find it necessary to increase the 
dose, until sometimes enormous doses are taken; 
and a person thus habituated to their use, in such 
quantities, finds it exceedingly difficult to discon- 
tinue them. 



DIETETIC PREPARATIONS. 89 



DIETETIC PREPARATIONS. 



Dietetic Preparations for the Sick. 

It is exceedingly important to know how to pre- 
pare articles of diet for the sick. The following 
formulas are given for the benefit of those who may 
not have this knowledge : The physician generally 
orders them, leaving their preparation to the nurse 
or some member of the family. They should be 
given according to the directions of the physician. 

Barley Water. 

Take of— 

Pearl Barley 2 tablespoonfuls. 

Boiling Water 1 quart. 

Let the barley be well washed, and then boil it 
down to one pint. Add sugar or lemon juice, or 
both, to suit the taste. Strain after boiling. 

Rice Water. 

Take two tablespoonfuls of rice, wash well and 
boil in a quart of water for an hour and a-half. 
Sweeten with sugar and flavor with nutmeg. 
8 



i>0 DIETETIC PREPARATIONS. 

Arrowroot. 

Mix two tablespoonfuls of arrowroot in a little 
cold water to soften the lumps, and make a paste. 
Bring a pint of water to the boiling point, put in 
the arrowroot, stir and boil a few minutes. Sweeten 
to the taste and flavor with nutmeg. 

Sago. 

Take of— 

Sago 2 tablespoonfuls. 

Water 1 pint. 

Boil gently, frequently stirring until it thickens. 
Add a little salt, and sugar and nutmeg. 

Tapioca. 

Take of— 

Tapioca 2 tablespoonfuls. 

Water 1 pint. 

Boil gently for one hour. Add a little salt and 
sugar. Xew milk, wine or brandy may be added if 
desired. 

Corn Starch. 

Mix two tablespoonfuls of the starch in a little 
cold milk to a paste. Add this gradually to a pint 
of boiling milk, put in a little salt, stir briskly and 
boil for live minutes. Then flavor with essence of 



DTETETIC PREPARATIONS. 91 

vanilla, cinnamon or lemon, and sweeten to suit the 
taste. 

Oatmeal Gruel. 

Take a tablespoonful of oatmeal and mix it with a 
little water to a paste. Then pour on gradually a pint 
of boiling water, and boil for fifteen minutes, stirring 
frequently. Add a little salt, sugar and nutmeg. 

Beef Tea. 

Take of— 

Lean Beef, cut into very small pieces. .1 lb. 
Water 1 quart. 

Cover and place near the tire for two hours. 
Then boil from 20 to 30 minutes, removing the 
scum as it rises, and add a little salt. Strain before 



Essence of Beef. 

. Take a pound or sufficient quantity of lean beef 
sliced very fine, and put into a porter bottle until 
filled. Cork the bottle loosely, and place it in a 
pot or pan of cold water, using sufficient water 
to reach to the neck of the bottle. Fasten the neck 
of the bottle to the handle of the vessel by means 
of a string. Boil the water around the bottle for 
about three hours Skim and add a little salt and 
pepper. 



92 



DIETETIC PREPARATIONS. 



Wine Whey. 

Prepare by boiling- a pint of milk, and while 
boiling, acid half a pint of sherry wine slowly, until 
completely mixed. Separate the curd by straining 
through muslin. Flavor with nutmeg, and sweeten 
to suit the taste. 



coc^Sex 




THE SICK ROOM. 93 



THE SICK ROOM. 



Management of the Sick Room. 

In the selection and management of the sick 
room, location, temperature, sunlight, ventilation 
and quiet are prime considerations. The physician's 
orders should he implicitly obeyed, but it is neces- 
sary that those who have the care of the sick should 
have an intelligent perception of their needs, in 
order to efficiently carry out the directions of the 
attending physician. A room in an upper story of 
the house, on the sunny side, is to be preferred, if 
not exposed to noise. Every thing about the room 
should be bright and cheery, with as much sim- 
plicity as is consistent with comfort. Unless the 
patient is suffering with inflammation of the brain, 
eyes, a violent fever or some disease in which light 
is painful, as much sunlight should be admitted 
as will have an agreeable and grateful effect. Sun- 
light is one of the most grateful, reviving and 
potent agencies in rendering the patient cheerful 
and hopeful, thus facilitating a cure and hastening 
-convalescence. 

8* 



94 THE SICK ROOM. 

The air of the sick room should always be pure. 
The windows, if possible, should be so arranged as 
to admit of the continuous ingress of pure air, and 
the continuous egress of impure air. This fre- 
quently is impossible in consequence of the manner 
of their construction. When such is the case, the 
window the farthest removed from the bed should 
be raised as often as necessary to admit fresh air 
freely, care being taken to break the draught by 
curtains or blinds. With proper care the air of the 
room can be kept pure without exposing the patient 
to a draught. 

The room, when fire is needed, should be main- 
tained at the same temperature, as near as possible, 
all the time, say 65° F. For this purpose a thermom- 
eter should be kept in the room and consulted occa- 
sionally, but not so often as to be much noticed by 
the patient. 

The sick room should be kept quiet, but there 
should be no feeling of gloom, dreariness or loneli- 
ness about it. The nurse and attendants should be 
gentle and cheerful, and when moving around, 
should make as little noise as possible. The}' 
should accustom themselves to move noiselessly, 
but the effort to do so should be so natural, as not 
to attract the atteution of the patient. 



THE SICK ROOM. 95 

If the patient is suffering with any acute disease, 
or is very feverish, very few visitors should be ad- 
mitted. If the call of a visitor is followed by any 
restlessness or sense of discomfort, or, if the patient 
experiences a restless night, evidently owing to too 
much company during the day, then all company 
should be forbidden, except a very few intimate 
friends, and these only by permission of the attend- 
ing physician. I know, from my own personal 
experience on a sick bed, and from observations at 
the bedside of others, that much conversation and 
company are exceedingly injurious to the sick. 
Friends should call and make inquiries, but should 
not enter the sick room if forbidden by the physi- 
cian. 

The patient should never be awakened from 
sleep, even to take medicine, except by the express 
orders of the doctor. If at any time during the 
day he feels sleepy, the room should be darkened, 
in order that he may secure that repose in sleep 
which nature so much demands. 

Those who sit up during the night in attendance 
upon the sick should be provided with suitable re- 
freshments, w r hich will enable them to bear the loss 
of sleep much better than they otherwise could. 



INDEX. 97 



INDEX 



Page. 

Accidents 75 

Acid, Tartaric 28 

Ague 28 

Air, pure 94 

Aloes 50 

Alum 25 

Alum, gargle 25 

Ammonium, Bromide 73 

Ammonia, Carbonate 44 

Ammonia, Elixir Valerianate 54 

Ammonia, Spirits 47 

Ammonia, Aromatic Spirits 35, 54 

Apoplexy 86 

Aqua Fortis, Poisoning 83 

Arabic, Gum 42 

Arnica 77 

Arrowroot 90 

Arsenic 82 

Artery, wound of 80 

Assafoetida 39 

Asthma 43 

Barley Water 89 

Bath, hot 43 

Bath, Mustard 22 

Beef, Essence ... 91 

Beef Tea 91 



J)S INDEX. 

Page. 

Beeswax 69 

Belladona, Extract of 50 

Belladona Plaster . 48 

Biliousness 29 

Bismuth 41 , 52 

Bleeding at the Nose 71 

Bleeding from Wounds 79 

Blue Mass 56 

Boils ..> 59 

Bones Broken. 79 

Borax 42 

Bowels, How to open speedily 27 

Bronchitis 23 

Bruises , 77 

Buchu 57 

'Bunions 68 

Burns 75 

Cabbage Leaves , 74 

Calomel 29, 69 

Camphor, Spirits . . , 77 

Camphor Water 59 

CarbolicAcid 64,83 

Carbuncle 60 

Castor Oil 26, 33 

Catarrh 45 

Catechu 31,66 

■ Chalk 83 

Chalk Mixture 32 

Chalk, Prepared 42 

Chapped Face and Lips 64 

Chapped Hands 64 

•Charcoal 82 

Chicken Pox , 42 

'Chilblains 74 



INDEX. 99' 

Page.. 

Chills, Fevers and Agues 28- 

Chloroform Linimeut 47 

Cholera Morbus . . . , 35 

Cinchonidia 28 

Cloves, Oil of 50 

Colchicum 47 

Cold Water in Fevers . 87 

Colds * 21 

Cold Wet Cloths 43,79 

Colic 26 

Colic in Infants. . . 39 5 

Colocynth, Compound Extract 50 

Compound Cathartic Pills 29 

Constipation 49^ 

Convulsions in Children ... 43 

Copaiba 57 

Copperas 74 

Corns 67 

Corn Starch 90 

Cosmoline 65* 

Cough, How to relieve 22 

Cramps 36 

Cream of Tartar 58 

Creasote 63 

Croup .' 25 

Cuts 69 

Dandruff QQ 

Diarrhoea. 31 

Diarrhoea, Prescription for Children 32 

Dietetic Preparations 89 

Dislocations 79' 

Dover's Powder 22 

Drowning 78; 

Dysentery 33: 



100 INDEX. 

Page. 

Dyspepsia..... 50 

Earache 60 

Ear, Wax in ... 61 

Eggs, Whites of. 75, 82 

Epsom Salts 43 

Ergot 70 

Eruptions 65 

Eye 61 

Eye, Mortar in 62 

Eye Water 62 

Fainting 72 

Fever .... 87 

Fits 37 

Flaxseed Poultice 59 

Flaxseed Tea ■ . . 22 

Flaxseed Tea, how to make 19 

Fractures 79 

Frostbite 74 

Gargle, Salt 24 

Gargle, Chlorate of Potassa 24 

Gargle, Alum, Honey and Sage Tea 24 

Gentian 51 

Ginger 27 

Glycerine 64 

Gravel 57 

Guiacum 47 

Hartshorn 56 

Hartshorn, Inhalation of 57 

Hartshorn, Spirits 47,77 

Hartshorn Liniment 25, 47 

Headache 54 

Headache, Sick 55 



INDEX. 101 

Page- 
Hoffman's Anodyne 56 

Honey 24 

Indigestion 28 

Inflammation , 75, 79 

Inflammatory Swellings 76 

Inhalation 45, 57 

Injections 27,49 

Iodine, Tincture of 66 

Ipecac, powdered 25 

Ipecac, Syrup 22, 87 

Iron, Hydrated Peroxide 83 

Iron, Persulphate 59 

Iron, Proto Carbonate 58 

Iron, Tincture of 30, 53 

Itch 64 

Lard 58, 64 

Laudanum 31,35,85 

Lead, Sugar of. 76 

Light 93 

Lime water 52, 72, 75 

Lime water, how to make 19 

Linseed Oil 75i 

Lobelia 44 

Lumbago 4? 

Lunar Caustic 6? 

Lye, Ctf net ntrated S3; 

Magnesia 835 

Measles. 3$ 

Medicines, list of. IT 

Medicines, Doses for children . * 18 

Mercury.. , 83 

Milk fc «. 72 

9 



102 INDEX. 

Page 

Morphia 46 

Mumps -)7 

Mustard Bath 22 

Mustard Dose. 81 

Mustard Plaster 35 

Myrrh 02 

Nervousness 54 

Neuralgia 52 

Nipples, Sore 66 

Nitre, Sweet Spirits of 37 

Nose, bleeding at 71 

Oak Bark Solution 74 

Oatmeal Gruel 91 

Opium 32, 58 

Pain 85 

Palpitation 54 

Paregoric 22 

Peppermint 27, 40 

Piles 58 

Pink Root 41 

Plaster, Adhesive 67 

Plaster, Belladona 48 

Plaster, Strengthening 48 

Pleurisy 86 

Pneumonia 86 

Poisons 81 

Potassa, Chlorate 24 

Potassa, Bicarb , 55 

Potassium, Bromide 38,55- 

Potassium, Iodide 46, 59 

Pota>sium, Sulphuret (y() 

Poultice, Flaxseed 59 



TXDEX. 103 

Page. 

Poultice, Meal 59 

'■Quinine 28 

."Rheumatism 46 

Rhubarb, Powdered 29, 50 

Rhubarb Root 59 

Rhubarb, Tincture 51 

Rice Water 89 

"Ringworm 66 

Rose Water 64 

Rosin, English 70 

Sage Tea 24 

-Sago 90 

Sarsaparilla 60 

Salt, hot 39 

Salt, Table 24,81 

Salt Rheum 65 

.Saltpetre 45 

Seldlitz Powder 56 

Sick Room, Management 93 

"Sick Room, Location 93 

v Sick Room, Quiet 94 

Sick Room, Temperature 94 

Sick Room, Ventilation 94 

Silver, Nitrate 83 

Skin Eruptions 65 

'Sleep 95 

Soda, Bicarbonate 28 

Sore Heads 68 

Sore Mouth 42 

Sore Throat 24 

Spasms 43 

Spitting of Blood 70 



104 INDEX. 

I 'age. 

Sprains 77 

Squills, Syrup 22 

Stings, Bees, Wasps, &c 76 

Stramonium 44 

Sulphur 58, 64 

Sunlight 93 

Sunstroke 72 

Sweet Oil 47 

Syrup, Simple 19 

Syrup Ipecac 22 

Syrup Squills 22 

Tannin 58 

Tapioca 90 

Teething 34,43 

Tetter 65 

Toe-nail, Ingrowing 59 

Toothache 62 

Thrush 42 

Turpentine 77 

Vertigo 53 

Vomiting 71 

Whooping Cough 38 

Wine Whey 92 

Worms 41 

Wormseed Oil 41 

Wounds 79 





Wst 





WmMmim 





*;- 












te^P 



